View All 1842 Seated Liberty Half Dollar

1842 Seated Liberty Half Dollar - Small Date, Rev of 1842

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1842

Denomination

Half Dollar

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891

Designer

Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht

Mintage (whole issue)

2,012,764

Composition

90% Silver, 10% Copper

Weight

13.36g

Diameter

30mm

Edge

Reeded

Value Estimates

$105 - $4,695

Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized: $25,850
Sold: 1 February 2015
Grade: MS65+
Auction house: Heritage Auctions

Description

A half dollar from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1842 Seated Liberty Half Dollar - Small Date, Rev of 1842 belongs to the Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891 series. The U.S. Mint coined 2.0 million half dollars dated 1842 across all varieties; how many pair the Small Date with the Reverse of 1842 is unknown. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole surmounted by a Phrygian liberty cap in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons. Minted during the age of Jacksonian democracy and the rise of the common man, as new branch mints opened in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $105 to $4.7K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 13.36 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6240.